Stories

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to ALL concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL & BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to ALL concerned?

We are 2 days into Spring 2018.  So what is with this gray, chilly wetness out there? Good thing there is a cheery, informative Rotary luncheon to attend, eh? Much more preferable than a sunny tee time.

A good meeting. Jim King presided and as there were no guests to introduce (first time that I can recall a meeting in which there were no visitors), he introduced our speaker and one of our newest members, Bruce Hobin. Bruce spoke to us earlier in the year on his vocation as a Professional Agrologist and today, talked about a passion and volunteer as a provincial judge for the BC Communities in Bloom (CIB) program. He challenged us on what CIB signifies and it was apparent that it is impressively more that the 'flower blossoms' that came to most folks minds. 

CIB is a non-profit organization in Canada committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement. It began in 1995 in Canada but has roots before then in the UK, Ireland and France - their motto is "people, plants and pride....growing together". Bruce was a judge in Saskatchewan way back in 2006, then in Ontario between 2008 and 20015. The program consists of communities being evaluated by a  jury of professional judges like Bruce, on the entire community on many criteria some of which are landscape, tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation and of course, floral displays. An evaluation report ensues and while there is a competition involved with the participating communities, there are also ideas and encouragement on ways to move forward and enhance the community. Ratings run from a '1 bloom' to a '5 bloom' community. 

It appears that Osoyoos participated back in 1995 and ran to a '4 bloom' designation in 1999 but did not take part after that. Based on Bruce's well prepared and entertaining presentation, the members all felt this would be a worthy undertaking for Osoyoos and Jim recommended that Bruce present to the Council this fall. Thanks Bruce!

With a few minutes left in the meeting, Shari was just back from a Caribbean cruise on Windstar and shared some of that time just to make us envious. She brought back a banner from the make-up done with the Rotary Club of Barbados.

Reminder that next week's noon meeting will be a board meeting and everyone is encouraged to come and join in. There should be reports updating progress from the visioning committees. 

Easter pancakes are next weekend. The bacon pre-grilling is Thursday and we have great volunteers signed up for that. If you are thinking that you can help with the Saturday pancake event and have not let John know, please do so...still need some numbers/names.

The soup and sandwich buffet was excellent and seems to be a welcome change for our luncheon option?

Our Coyotes are now tied 2-2 with Revelstoke in the 3 round of playoffs so there will be a beer garden role for us on Saturday. Reports are that there are generous tippers attending!

The 50/50 was most appropriately won by Bruce and a quick donation to the Foundation followed.

Think Spring!

A very crisp day for this business meeting in late February...both the lake and the golf course are frozen! But it was warm inside and good fellowship prevailed.

Pres Lynda presided and we all lamented the absence of Greg to lead O'Canada - not our worst but up there somewhere. Lynda shared a discovered guest book dating back to the earlier Osoyoos Rotary Club in 1974 which will be used by our Club to record visitors from now on - there were no guests today!

Lynda led a discussion on recognizing community businesses/organizations and individual supporters of Osoyoos Rotary.  It was decided that we would hold April 26th open with a reception to present cheques to those service organizations to which we are donating and recognition awards to those folks who in turn have supported our service efforts and fundraising. Likely a 5-7 evening with appies and wine at a venue to be determined, either the golf club or Inkameep. Interesting to note the large numbers in both categories.

The balance of the meeting revolved around updates and news and a few calendar items to note:

-Marieze is speaking to the Oliver Rotary at their noon meeting at the Firehall Bistro on March 13....neat if all of us could do a make-up there? 

-Harold is meeting with a Kelowna Rotaract Club on April 4th to talk about ways to support or supplement the South African backpack program. He also advised  that 10 of the packs were 'lost' in transit to SA so we may be re-energizing the project!

-Sandy confirmed that she has taken on the position of Wine Ambassador for Vin Amite. That is like being President! She also recommended the upcoming SOSS performance of Rock of Ages at the Frank Venables Theatre next weekend...Lauren will be performing!

-In other people moves, Dale Cory will be taking on the morning news function for Penticton's EZ Rock radio and Keith Lacey is leaving Osoyoos Times to lead a new Penticton Now news website.

-Easter Pancake Breakfast is early this year...we will be serving on March 31st!

Finally, after an extended badgering/promotion/threats from Gordon that his grand daughter"s 3 piece band 'Bardic Form', was performing at JoJo's this night, several Rotarians acquiesced and were treated to a brilliant, professional and entertaining evening...really a wow!

Next week's meeting is the next step in our Club's visioning process where the 3 working committees will offer recommendations/findings on next steps for our Club. Please try to make this one.

That's it! A fun meeting- Lynda won the 50/50 and in a very Presidential form donated it to Foundation.

Ok..one more. Ron Leigh goes South for the winter - not sure why? He thrives on attending the local Rotary meetings and I suspect is a great ambassador for us at all of these. Here is his latest offering:

Attended the Rotary Club of La Penita Jaltemba this morning.
A great group. Discussion centered around what is called the Bridge of Life. A cable and wooden bridge between The towns if La Penita and Guaybitis. It was built in 2003 because too many people were killed walking on the highway between the 2 towns. It needs some upgrading and the club is considering it. Maybe we can be of assistance?
I have been conducting a study of the attitude of the many seniors spending their winters here.After attending many happy hours and other events and watching how they deal with each other, the music and the libations I have come to the very positive conclusion they are all party animals!

First day of February meeting....we are almost there! Only days left until the Golf Course opens, eh?

PE Giselle presided, introducing guests Robert Fisher (Saskatoon Rotarian) and Frederick White and our guest speaker David Adamson. She also referenced the work that would be done this month coming from the Visioning session by the 3 action teams (Membership, Fundraising and PR/Youth). The results will be shared and discussed at the March 1st meeting.

David had spoken to us before at the early stages of the School After School tutoring program, now giving us an update and 'report card' after 3 years of operation. David and several other retired educators responded to a need by students for a some extra help/guidance and by most measures, it has been a tremendous success.  With funding  from Rotary (Brain Rawlings has been instrumental in support) and a facility provided in the Baptist Church, David had 35 students registered in the last semester and expects more in the upcoming one. From a beginning of 2 days a week from 2:30 to 5:00, it is now a full 5 days a week. There were students from Grade 2 all the way to 1 in College but the large majority (29) were Grades 8 to 11 with an equal mix of girls and guys. 

New in this past year was the offering of free online courses, primarily math and 12 students took advantage of that, earning school credit. David has worked with the South Central Interior Distance Education School, SCIDES, to provide the courses. There was some discussion around potential negative impact to OSSS in terms of student funding though. David referenced interest by Grade 12 students for math tutoring but he and the other 3 educators did not have the capacity to take these on and he is working toward a solution to provide the help next year. 

Also new was the move to form a society to direct School after School. One of the things this would enable would be soliciting funding that would allow tax receipts.  Monies raised would be for more computers and drinks/snacks for the students coming directly from a full day in school.

This is all volunteer tutoring by David and his crew - a huge and very worthy commitment!

The 50/50 was won by Ken and wearing his large Rotary hat, he donated the proceeds to School after School.

Nest week's speaker will be Daniel Bibby, GM of the new Hyatt/Spirit Ridge branded resort. 

And for those of you wondering where Ron Leigh is, he is alive and well in Mexico as per this recent message:

Had the pleasure this morning, Jan 24, of attending the Rotary Club of La Penita des Jamhalta.
There were about 40 people attending including 4 guests and my friend Tom Boucher from Sundre, Alta..
The meeting  started at 7.30 am with the Mexican pledge in both Spanish and English followed by the objectives of Rotary read in Spanish. Next meeting they will be done in English. There were several reports brought forward followed by questions in both languages. I sat next to Gordon Herle from The Rotary club of Penticton who is the brother of Wilf Herle of Smitty’s in Osoyoos. Small world.The meeting finished about 9.00 am. Looking forward to the next meeting.

Best to all. Ron

December 7th - now how did that happen? Lynda is halfway through her Presidency year, the Christmas Season is coming way too fast and Mt Baldy opens Friday. And what happened to Canada's warmest welcome?

On the positive side we do have ongoing Rotary meetings that entertain and inspire us as did today's meeting. Joining us today was Wilfred and Marietha Louw who are from S. Africa and are Marieze's mom and dad. They were recognized by members for their hospitality and support to the team from our club that travelled there earlier this year on a service project.

President Lynda introduced Marieze as our speaker and program, beginning with a presentation of a cheque for $1000 from our Club for the Roots of Empathy program. Marieze has been teaching ROE for 9 years and has spoken to us before on it but it was refreshing to learn more about the successes and growth of this amazing program. It was founded by Mary Gordon in Canada back in 1996 and has expanded to 10 other countries, receiving serious recognition and awards along the way. It is a volunteer program offered to students from K to grade 8 and is intended to reduce levels of aggression (bullying) by raising social and emotional competence and increasing empathy. Data and research demonstrates that it works and Marieze referenced several awards ROE has garnered this year.  The concept is that a local mother and infant visit the classroom every 3 weeks for a year and the students observe and discuss the babies growth and emotions following a curriculum delivered by a volunteer instructor. One piece of data that Marieze shared was that 84% of students tested in grades 4 and 7 showed significantly higher levels of empathy having participated in ROE.

In our school district, SD 53, the focus is on grades 2 and 5 with 13 classes taught each year for 260 students. 

A very worthy local program for our club to support - they need more instructors and this money donated today will go toward the training of new volunteers.

Well done Marize and thank you!

Remember, no meeting next week at noon in favour of the evening Christmas party that evening, Dec 14th at Campo Marina. Cocktails at 6, dinner at 7 at an all in cost of $40. Sign up on Clubrunner....sounds like at least 10 members of the Oliver club will join us - hope they can sing!

Doug absconded with the 50/50 draw.  Evidently arriving late increases your chances of winning? 

Hello Folks,

John has asked that I do a summary of the Thursday meeting. I will do my best.

The meeting started off with a great O'Canada lead by Cheryl. A great reflection on gratitude was given by our president Lynda.  Lynda also reminded us of the up coming Visioning session on January 20th, at 9:00am at the Best Western. Jim will set up a registration format on Club runner for people to confirm their attendance. Also by about January 8 everyone will have received via email, a questionnaire from the facilitator, who will be doing the visioning session. Also Lynda reminded us of the up coming Christmas Party and induction of new members on December 14th at Campo Marina. The price has not been confirmed but Cherly will send something out, once she has the price.

Lynda then introduced Mike Green from Tumbleweed Distillery to get us into the Christmas "Spirit". Mike and his wife have been living part time on Anarchist Mountain since 2009. They had to decide between Vancouver and Anarchist Mountain. No contest Anachrist won! They looked at several business opportunities and decided to learn more about making spirits. They studied distilling and also worked with a consultant. Their equipment was brought in from Summerland and Barlow, Kentucky. The science of distilling, is a complex process that Mike explained in detail and brought us a sample of the barley. He also donated a bottle of Fireweed (Like Fireball) to the club to be auctions off. The process also requires a daily checking of the product, meaning, tasting it daily is imperative. What a job! Tumbleweed sells about ten different products and the latest release is a grapa made from Merlot and Cab Franc. (I've tried it, great stuff!)  They also have Fire Weed that is cinimion whiskey , Gin, one of their best sellers, Vodka, Moonshine and Maple Whiskey. They had a Cherry Moonshine but it is gone! Watch for it next year. There were several questions from the group and a few people thought they would drop by Tumbleweed to finish their Christmas shopping. 

After lunch Mike B told us that next week's speaker had cancelled and Marisa volunteered to talk to the club about Roots of empathy, at our next meeting. On January 11, 2018, Lynda will talk to us about the results of the questions she had given us last week, at our social.

Lynda and Brian asked that anyone who is going to be helping with hot dogs and hot chocolate during the Christmas parade on Friday night,please be at Mills Office Pro by 5 pm to help set up. Parade starts at 6;30. Hope you can join us. The meeting ended with Jim King winning the 50/50 AGAIN! Looking forward to the talk next week my Marisa.

Well I did it. Hope I didn't miss too much.

The recent dusting of snow was so appropriate given our guest speaker was Andy Foster, GM for the Mt Baldy Ski hill. A good mix of members, spouses and guests came out to hear the presentation. Pres Lynda introduced Tanya Schutz, new member in Penticton Rotary Club and her co-worker Samantha Zeeman; Shari MacFarland, guest of Harold and prospective member and Bruce Hobin, former Rotarian from Niagara on the Lake who may transfer to our Club. She also welcomed back Eva and Audrey and Richard (Times).

Andy Foster was introduced and proceeded to entertain us with a very upbeat update on Mt Baldy. He first spoke of his own background and experience that clearly qualified him to take on the GM role earlier this spring. He started in Zimbabwe (explains his accent!) and travels and education including England and Canada. He has a Tourism degree and a varied work experience and described himself as a detail guy who likes to work in a robust structured system. He has retained most of the staff, commenting that combined they represent more than 60 years of mountain experience. He plans to build on the key differentiators that Baldy possesses which are that it is a local/community hill, no ski line-ups, amazing powder and is family oriented.  

This year under his tenure, they have renovated the Baldy bar, opened up more terrain, improved signage and website and created a positive work environment. Crucial work is to be done on developing the real estate on the mountain as a next step towards making this a 4 season property. 

There will be a grand unveiling of the Baldy bar on Nov 26 (will need to register for this on the new website next week if you plan to attend) and then the first chair festival on Dec 8th, signalling the opening day of skiing. Yay! Hope to have Andy back after his first season and share his successes.

In other news....

There was an auction item of a season of Home Security provided by Quail Security that has been returned to the Club for our use. This is a $500 value that is very appropriate for snowbirds so please think about who might be interested in bidding on this and let Cheryle know. 

We will participate in Festival of Trees again this year...as long as Sandi and Tracy are willing to organize volunteers again.

There will be an AGM for next week's meeting so everyone should make a special attempt to attend this one. The following week, Nov 23rd,  is the fireside/social with spouses at 6pm at the clubhouse at Desert Rose Estate so no noon meeting. This will be a potluck appie event and everyone is asked to let Lynda know appie plans and she will coordinate. Refreshments will be provided compliments of LOTB but if you want wine you should bring it. 

Whew....a very good meeting! 

And the 50/50 winnings were donated to the OSS Scholarship Fund. 

If you have not been receiving these meeting summaries for some time, it is not because you have been deleted from any mailing lists...there has not been many! At the most recent Board meeting it was discussed that these were indeed important to the membership and there were even some volunteers to spread the task so your inbox should be fatter in the future!

Pres Lynda introduced the several guests in attendance. MaryClair Massicott and Sherry McFarlane, guests of Cheryle and Harold ( prospective members) and Brad Burns and Scott Tremblay, our speakers and Richard from the Times. She also noted that Sandi, Ken and Chris are coming up to their 1st year anniversary with the club...no pins, just atta persons!

The Rotary Fall District Meetings were held over the weekend at the Watermark with several of our members in attendance. Evidently there were several topics of interest coming out of those sessions and they will be shared as part of the November 16 business meeting. 

The Club Christmas dinner will be held at the Campo Marina restaurant on December 14th (no meeting that day) so please go to the home page on Clubrunner and click on Christmas Party to register. 

Our speakers were Scott Tremblay, Principal of OSS, and Brad Burns, Vice-principal. Both are new to these positions and to the school and obviously bring huge positive energy and commitment with them. Also both have partners who are educators and both have children enrolled in OSS. Scott came most recently from Keremeous and Brad from Kamloops. I think their objectives in speaking to us were to reach out and potentially involve the community and also to share the School Plan which has a very unique schedule. They were very successful in both!

I am sure Richard will print more thoroughly the School Plan in an upcoming Times article and I would encourage you to read that. It involves a very unique school schedule - there are only 10 other BC schools with some form of flex based learning systems. Basically it reduces the number of traditionally taught subject blocks and adds supervised learning centre hours for  more self-directed learning for the students. 

This is a 5 year journey with lots of check points and assessments along the way to let them know if they are truly 'making a difference to our kids' as they define the goal. A very professional presentation by a couple of neat guys who are working excessive hours to make it work...we need to have them back at the end of the school year for an update. 

Mark your calendars for October 23rd for an evening meeting (no luncheon) - this will be a 'social fireside' and will be held at the Clubhouse at Desert Rose Estates, hosted by Jim and Cheryle and Pam. 

Our speaker next week is Andy Foster, Mt Baldy ski area manager - should be good!

Ken won the 50/50 (because he was last in!) and immediately donated it to our school backpack program...thank you!

Jeff commented that our opening Oh Canada was the worst singing in his 14 years of Rotary...hard to argue! Where is Ron Leigh anyway?

Jim King presided over the meeting that clearly improved from there and started with introduction of guests that included Sheila Hawkins, a Rotarian recently moved to Osoyoos in a new business and just may swell our ranks, and Gordon and Liz Daly from Falkirk Scotland. Gordon is a Rotarian and they are in the midst of an incredibly long drive starting in Anchorage and eventually winding up in San Francisco. He shared a little of his home club and exchanged a club banner with Jim.

Our speaker was Ramiro giving a vocational/bio talk. I realize that members always appreciate and enjoy learning more about each other through these presentations and Ramiro's was one of the very best at doing this as he gave us peeks/insights into his life of hard work, family, Rotary, kindness and humour. Highlights included immigrating to Saskatchewan from his birth country (1947) of Chile where he worked in the forest industry. He moved to Whitecourt with the industry and went to school for his millwrights ticket before eventually branching out into the retail sector with antiques and then printing businesses. He met and married Elly in '81, evidently to keep track of all the grandkids names and birthdays! They had sold their businesses and home by 2014 and moved to Osoyoos. Between he and Elly, there has been a long and engaged Rotary history including leading a GSE team to Chile in 2004, club presidencies, RI Foundation contributors and even a DG term by Elly. Also 12 (?) RI Conferences so far! Volunteering hasn't lessened a bit as they are so involved with Project Amigo in Mexico for the winter months now and Ramiro works weekly with the Thrift shop when home. An impressive talk and an impressive member of our club...thank you Ramiro!

Next week is our business luncheon and the focus of that will be the LOTB debrief and Sandi will be looking for input from everyone as to next years event so please try to attend. 

Sandi and Marize left early to initiate this years school backpack program for the Club.

The search for a good outbound student for 2018-19 begins this week at both SOSS and OSS so if you know of appropriate grade 11 or 12 students, make them aware it is happening.

Enjoy this Fall season...it is going to be a good one!

A well attended, entertaining meeting!

Jim King presided and introduced guests Jim (31 years in Rotary) and Judy Burns from Vernon Rotary, here for summer curling, and regular attending friends Cory and Debbie. Mike then took over and introduced his delightful daughter Megan, our guest speaker and her partner Jeff. 

Megan recently received her MSc from UBC School of Kinesiology and spoke to us on spinal cord injury (SCI) in general, ICORD (International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries) more specifically and then PARK (Physical Activity Research Centre) where she  is the Operations Coordinator. All of this is located at UBC which is one of two facilities in Canada, the other being in Toronto. Megan led us through SCI and the injuries that leave a person paralized to various degrees according to where in the spinal cord the injury occurs.  She shared that there are some 86,000 Canadians living with SCI now with about 4,300 new cases each year and the cost of traumatic SCI runs at an estimated $3.6 billion per year. Those with injuries are likely to additionally suffer from obesity,  cardio diseases, bone density losses, pain and depression. 

It was evident from her enthusiatic, informative and entertaining presentation that Megan loves her profession from the perspectives of working with the folks with injuries and also all the associated research and innovations.  Megan is also program coordinator at BC Wheelchair Sports Assoc.

Megan brought Jeff into the conversation as he is paraplegic ....paralyzed from the mid chest down. Very upbeat and independent and obviously coping well as he is ranked #2 in wheelchair tennis in Canada and #3 in ping pong....very active with a sports focus. 

With Dad being the program coordinator, we are hoping that he has an 'in' to bring Megan back and speak to us again on SCI and her research...maybe even more Olympic full contact wheelchair rugby videos!

Sandi gave us a short update on LOTB - there are only 47 tickets remaining which is excellent. Next week's meeting will be devoted to planning the event. 

Harold shard that he has 19 Camel Backpacks purchased for the Save the Rhino project and the money for the 20th, which was the goal. Well done! He is now looking for anyone going to South Africa who would be able to take a few with them to ensure they get to the proper destination. Let him know..

Mike needs to know numbers for the August 31st evening social at Kismet Winery so let him know directly or respond to the email he will send out. There will be no noon meeting that day. 

Finally, special recognition to Tracy and Gordon celebrating birthdays today!

Think LOTB!

A fun meeting on a very hot Thursday...more heat to come according to the forecast but as several referenced during Happy Bucks, no local fires!

Pres Lynda introduced guests Katy Branson, a development officer for the Credit Union from Kelowna, Dr. Larry Demco, our resident Thai Rotarian, and Sylvia Mott, our recently returned exchange student from Summerland via Germany. She also shared a letter of appreciation from the Osoyoos Concert Series Committee for Rotary's support.

While there was no scheduled speaker (last meeting of the month is a business meeting), there was no shortage of willing podium seekers. First up was Katy who gave a lively talk on her role in the Credit Union...we think we talked her into joining a club at home in Kelowna. 

Next was Sylvia who was called on for a full blown presentation of her year in Germany which came as a bit of a surprise to her but no surprise to us, she entertained us all with an informative, humorous and insightful summary of her year. Sylvia only just returned home last Sunday so the excitement and successes were very evident in her talk. I would encourage everyone to go to her blog http://smgermanyexchange.weebly.com and share her year and make sure you include the photos and 'fun facts' segments. She had only one host family (2 host brothers aged 2 and 10 and 1 host sister aged 13 - another older sister was away on her own exchange) and has captured them beautifully in the photos so check them out. I am hopeful that we will see her at a few more meetings before she heads off to university. 

We all agreed that Sylvia and Carlo together epitomized the best of what Rotary youth exchange is all about.

ADG Cheryle asked us to mark the evening of Sept 13th on our calendars for a 'Cluster' (?) meeting in Penticton. This event will replace the traditional meeting that the District Governor has had with each club each year with a multi club session. This year's DG is Bill Jenkins....more information to come, including the possibility of bus transport.

And finally at the podium, our LOTB co-chair Sandi Summers presented an update on the committee's progress on the lobster dinner plans. The tickets have only recently been printed and already 17 of the 35 tables have been sold and as they can only be purchased from Judy, best get on it! Other than looking for gold sponsors, it sounded like they are on task?

The 50/50 ticket was won by Larry and he will direct the funds to his project in Thailand which means a family will have access to potable water. I am looking forward to his presentation to us on August 10 on the same project. 

Next weeks speaker is Carey Bornn, executive director of the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation....should be good so plan to be there!

Keep cool.

Smoking hot outside but a very cool first meeting inside for Pres Lynda...goin' to be a good year! 

In addition to regulars Elly and Larry, Lynda introduced guests Elliot, a visiting Rotarian from Prince Albert and his father in law Jerry. Jerry lives in Osoyoos now and Elliot will be moving here in 2 years time which makes him an automatic new member for whoever the President is that follows Giselle...Sandi, do you know what PEN means? 

The guest speakers were from the Community Foundation, South Okanagan/Similkameen, Aaron McRann, Executive Director and Kim English, Regional Development Officer. This foundation started in 1991 in Penticton and includes Osoyoos but we know so little about them. They operate much like our own Rotary Foundation in which the principle in endowed and only the interest earned is distributed to worthy charities, but they represent such an large opportunity for our community. In the 25 years since incorporation, some $11 million has been raised in the foundation and $3.4 million has been distributed throughout the S. Okanagan and Similkameen without touching the principal.  There are some 191 similar foundations across Canada that give back to the community as CFSOS does. Administration costs are a very low 1.5% of earned income. 

There are various means by which it distributes support to the community, several dictated by the donators themselves - Osoyoos has been receiving funds directly even without a substantial local endowment. Aaron and Kim described these opportunities very professionally and caught the interest of many in our Club. Cheryle, Vaughn and I give input from Osoyoos so expect more information as opportunities come up. 

Cheryle gave an update on Rotary clubs in our District that are impacted by the wildfires and will keep us apprised as opportunities are identified in which our club can provide support.

Sandi also updated us on the significant work done already for the Lobster on the Beach event Sept 9th - delegation is her forte as Judy Miller-Bennett is assigned the sole keeper of tickets and Elly was given 2 roles over lunch!

The third update came from Chris who described more completely our fundraising opportunity with the 2017 Super Saver coupon book - easy sell with the AG or Buy Low coupons alone. 

It was noted that Carlo made it safely to his plane home to Trento yesterday - what a year! 

Finally, this was Ramiro's first meeting as a new member of Osoyoos Rotary and he was rewarded with the 50/50 winning ticket. As a side note, it was Angelica's first meeting too but she won diddly....now is that Fair to All Concerned?

This weekend we celebrate Canada's 150th and certainly is a busy time for Osoyoos.  Rotary was equally as active these past few days.

Starting with the Thursday meeting. As PE Lynda pointed out, this was Brian's last meeting to chair as President in the Rotary year. An exceptional year for the club! 

Debbie Dow was our speaker (we know her well from this years S. Africa project) and she presented a water project in Tazania that she lead. I found it to be a particularly fascinating project in many ways but particularly as the idea and need came from a 2014 safari, research and funding followed and 3 years later last month, the vision came to fruition with 2 producing water wells in place to support a local Maasi community in their lifestyle. Completed and sustainable. Debbie listed the support from individuals, organizations and Rotary clubs around Prince George through the process but it was obvious that she was the driver and very emotionally connected. A huge accomplishment and a neat presentation!

Of note from the meeting is the need to respond to Cheryle's email regarding attendance at the annual Installation event next Thursday at 6 at Spirit Ridge. This is a significant Club event at which the new board will be installed along with our new President Lynda and 3 new members will be inducted. There will be no noon meeting next week. 

Gordon gave us an much appreciative  update on Roberta's progress in her cancer trek and we wish her continued progress. We tried to support Gordon by allowing him to win the 50/50!

Vaughn reported out on the Club's Coyote beer garden support of the year and it was a very successful one as the fundraising more than covered our costs for public skating for the year. Vaughn recognized everyone's time and efforts, when really it was his efforts that made it all possible. Thanks Vaughn.

Then there was the Friday make-up meeting at the Pizza Factory where 7 truly dedicated Rotarians (plus one friend) pre-cooked 122 lbs of bacon....hardly any mess at all! Thanks Giselle, Sandi and Lynda supported by Larry, Brian, Jim, John and Mike Spears. 

Next was very early Saturday morning where the now highly skilled Pancake breakfast team of 22 Rotarians and friends/partners cooked and served well over 600 breakfasts to appreciative (and patient) Canada Day celebrators. Wow...went so smoothly - well done to all!

31 Osoyoos Loop Super Saver coupon books were sold at the breakfast as well.

So, a busy week and testimony to service above self!

If you are feeling that you are not receiving the newsletters from each meeting, not to worry as you likely are....it has been noted that the author has been AWOL on occasion!

Today was an excellent meeting as they always seem to be when Youth Exchange are involved. Guests Larry, Cory, Rob and Debbie joined members in hearing Carlo give his final presentation of his year in Osoyoos. He was very ably assisted in the visuals by Nina, last year's outbound to France.

Carlo was very relaxed and thorough in his talk, giving evidence to his overall growth over the year. In addition to the hair and facial growth, Carlo recognizes the personal maturing/growth  in himself over the time - an impressive young man!

And what a year. Travel included Vancouver x3, Disneyland, Lethbridge (Banff), a bus tour through our 5060 District and will hit Victoria next weekend, celebrating Canada Day there and the US July 4th day in Roche Harbour. 

His many 'firsts' in Canada included CFL and NHL games, fishing, snowshoeing, hunting and camping/trailering, and golf and squash games. His loved his school year, all in Oliver and we are so very proud that both he and Nina will be fully graduating next week. He is thinking that the whole graduation thing is pretty cool with Prom, Commencement Ceremonies and Dry Grad..and it is!

Performing in front of the school on his violin was clearly a highlight there as well and another would be his 'giving back' project which was fundraising with other local YE students raising $1300 for a Shelterbox. 

But the most memorable and significant component of his year was the time with his 3 host families (Melina Bondorin, Dianna Williams and Charlene and Boyd Turnbull) and all the host brothers and sisters that came with them. Wonderful people/families to live with and share their homes for Carlo and also very much appreciated by our Club for welcoming him into their homes and hearts. 

Well done Carlo!

Reminder that there is no noon meeting on July 6th, instead there will be a dinner at Spirit Ridge at 6:00pm where our new Club executive and Board will be installed. Mark your calendars - this is important!

Also for that calendar, note the pancake breakfast on July 1st at 7:00am for everyone and the bacon pre-cook at same time on June 30th at the Pizza Factory. 

Pam won the 50/50 (again!) and promptly donated it to Rotary Foundation (again!).

Have a great week everyone...now that summer has just arrived.

Today's lunch was a business meeting preceded by a Board Meeting so no speaker. Instead lots of discussion and information exchange around our goals and upcoming Rotary events.

Our guests included Mary Bellemare, a 9 year Rotarian from Dauphin, Manitoba. Mary shared an upcoming fundraiser for their Club that raised some $40,000 last year...the Manitoba MudRun. It is a 10km obstacle mud run in August in which we would be more than welcome to participate. Only an 18 hour drive from Osoyoos!

Jim shared that we are 94% there against our Foundation goal of $3000 and looking like we will make our Polio goal as well.  He led a discussion on community projects and the notion of taking on any more park projects would be put on hold until the natural playground is completed. There was strong support for trail projects identified around Osoyoos though, likely 2018/19  before we tackle them. 

Harold updated us on Save the Rhino backpack project with 5 of the 20 backpacks now funded at $300 each. Only 13 to go! He left the meeting to attend the District Conference in Kelowna at which he will man a booth to attract other club's support. The Chris Bromage 'concert' at JoJo's last week raised funds for more than 1 pack, in addition to being an incredibly well received/ entertaining performance.

In YE, the club needs to decide on the exchange program in 2018/19...we will not have an inbound in 2017/18. The process to allow this starts this June so think about whether we want it and how it will be supported and we will make a club decision in the upcoming weeks. 

That led to a discussion about chairs and co-chair volunteers. We need a chairperson for YE, co-chairs for LOTB, golf and pancake breakfasts. Members might want to think about taking on one before Lynda assigns them in her year!

Our Club will be hosting the YE students as they pass through Osoyoos on their week long bus trip through District 5060 and that translates into hosting lunch for them at the Golf Club next Thursday. So, no meeting at noon as we will share the time with the students...a more detailed message will follow.

Vaughn shared that Osoyoos Desert Society is holding a fundraiser for their much needed building project on May 6th. It is a Beer and Burger night at Sage Pub for $20 and will include a silent auction. He had tickets so let him know.

Ken let us know that the Area 27 racetrack has their grand opening on June 2-4th...more information to come.

Doug advised that the June Golf tournament is officially our top priority for the next 6 weeks. Sponsorships, auction items and participants require our attention and he will be emailing needs and updates regularly. Each member is expected to round up a foursome so lets get that one attended to first!

Most folk's happy bucks wished for warmer days - no surprise! Mike won the 50/50 and will assign that massive windfall to Rotary Foundation. 

Have some fun!

Better late than never? Especially as the meeting was so good, those who were there would enjoy reliving it and for those not attending, this is what you missed.

Pres Elect Lynda presided over her first Rotary meeting and was outstanding, setting the tone for the many, many more to come.  There were a number of guests, presumably all coming to take in the featured/famous guest speaker and they included Kathy Lee and Regis from Dauphin Man, Kim and Mark from Oroville, Gary from Abbotsford, Richard (Times), Cory (Oliver) and YE Carlo and Nina. 

Ron Leigh was our luncheon entertainer. As unaccustomed as he is to public speaking (!) our own Honorary Rotarian spoke eloquently on his very obvious love and expertise of jazz. April being jazz appreciation month,  Ron led us through some fascinating stories and history of jazz. He is a self professed jazz junkie, having hosted a jazz radio program in Calgary and still plays around with guitar, drums and alto saxophone. He has met many of the famous jazz artists and knows their stories intimately - he shared one large 1958 photograph of 57 notable musicians of players entitled 'Great Day in Harlem' and he could talk about all of them. 

Hope this is an annual April event...well done Ron.

In updates, Dave shared that at the Rotary Million Dollar dinner last Saturday, $2 million was raised that will go to Foundation and primarily to projects in the Okanagan Valley. Very impressive! Elly spoke about the Project Amigo project at which she and Romaro volunteer at and also where Ken Campbell participated as the auction winner at LOTB. She will be presenting at a future luncheon and will introduce a Canadian component to it in which members may want to participate. Stay tuned!

Also Harold reminded us of the performance coming up on April 21st at JoJo's where our own Chris Bromage will play from his album End of Empire. Chris will donate the first $300 to Save a Rhino backpack program...tickets are limited so hurry. See you there at 6:45.

Under Youth Exchange, Carlo, Nina and I spent this past weekend in Penticton at a gathering of current inbounds and rebound students meeting with next years outbounds and giving them  and their parents coaching and encouragements. There was a new exchange program introduced as a complement to the existing one which will be for a shorter time (one month) and focus on a family-to-family exchange...more to come in September but does sound promising.

Finally there was talk about an upcoming Easter Pancake breakfast. The advantage of a late newsletter is that we can share that it did indeed take place and was an amazing success. It always continues to blow me away how folks flow to what needs to be done, do it so well and make all the breakfast guests happy...plus make money! We sold 319 breakfasts which was our highest Easter volume and just as the bell chimed at closing time, we served the last cup of coffee and last strip of bacon - perfect. Thanks everyone!

Remember, no noon meeting this Thursday as there will be a fun social at the Golf Club that evening starting at 6.

The 50/50 was drawn by Gary of Abbotsford...he said he needed it!

A good pre-spring meeting! 25 members and guests thorougly enjoyed tons of fellowship and a very informative guest presentation by Ernie Dumais and Gail Barriskill from Highway to Healing. 

Pres Brian recognized all guests including Honorary members Roger C. and Ron L. who the latter is just home from snowbirding in Az. As usual Carlo was in attendance and it was noted that his 18th birthday is this Saturday. Harold, can you say '18'?

In updates, our PE Lynda and Oliver's PE Dale spent the previous weekend in Seattle at PETS (president elects training) and reported that the event was superb and welcomed by all the 700 attendees. The training, the speakers, the food (wine?) and networking all worked. Evidently the message that Lynda heard was that Rotary was expecting her to break a few traditional boundaries and do what she damn well wants to do in her upcoming year as President..... bring it on! The core message is to stretch the traditional boundaries in Rotary everywhere ~ a welcome message indeed.

Sandy shared that there was a 'Taste of India' fundraising dinner by the Westbank Rotary April 7th and suggested that we might make an evening of it with an Osoyoos Rotary table and she would organize transportation and coordinate tickets. Let her know if you are interested as it sounds like great fun and of course supports one of our fellow clubs. 

It was also confirmed that the March 16th meeting will be an evening social at which we will get to learn more of the amazing S. African trip, the project, travels and next steps. Mark your calendar for this evening and times and location will come soon.....no luncheon meeting will be held on that day.  Now on to this day's presentation topic;

Highway to Healing (or H2H) is a charitable organization formed in Oliver in 2013 to compassionately assist families who have a child requiring medical care not available locally. It was initially formed to service the Oliver community but has just this week have expanded the area to include OK Falls and Osoyoos. Gail and Ernie are both directors of the Society - Gail was just recently named as President which is simply serendipitous as her sister will be President of our Rotary Club in June!

The concept grew out of a community vision idea by the Oliver Rotary Club and grew into a separate society in order to gain charitable status. It was modelled after two other successful organizations in BC performing similar functions, in Comox and Nelson. Basically, H2H  provides up to $5000 of funding per child under the age of 19 for travel expenses to obtain medical diagnosis and treatments and also serves to provide information about any other organization whose services can benefit the families in need. 

The list of fundraising events and donors is lengthly and impressive. Ernie and Gail were not openly soliciting financial support (but would not turn a donation down!) but did request that we think about someone who might represent Osoyoos in the newly expanded mandate. 

A good presentation and an organization that is worthy and could use our support.

Coyote hockey returns to Osoyoos with the first game in the 2nd round on Tuesday...Vaughn could always use more volunteers in the beer garden. 

Happy bucks was split between those loving the fact the ski season is still full on and those who were vibrating with news that the golf course opens on Saturday. The 50/50 ticket was drawn for Dale, our frequent guest from Oliver Rotary. 

Continue to think Spring!

Today's meeting saw the return of our South African team and along with several guests they heard a fascinating luncheon speaker on this cloudy, near-spring mid-February day. Team members Marieze, Mike and Anne Marie, Brian and Harold all sported good tans and gave us snippets of their very successful trip to be shared in much more detail at an evening social soon. Carlo, Vaughn, Richard (Times) and a couple visiting from Canmore, Dana and Percy, joined in to make a decent Oh Canada!

Pres Brian introduced our guest speaker Richard Walker. Richard has been a farmer, herbalist and food forester for over 40 years, taking a degraded land site in Grand Forks in 1985 to a the first food forest in Canada. He now lives and practices his art in Osoyoos. He shared his passion about soil health and its link to nutritious, diverse food, human health and sound economics. He has been instrumental in the growth of small and large scale food forests across Canada.

It was fascinating to listen to Richard describe what is possible in our own Town of Osoyoos in the way of planned canopied forests of Chestnuts and Pecans at the top down through several layers of tree nuts and fruits/berries down to ground cover of herbs, vegetables, medicinal plants to even below ground plants. Planned, diverse plantings can be accomplished in small garden lots, boulevards and parks. They can be adapted to taking up CO2,  heavy metals and even tackling invasive species. He sowed his ideas and thoughts to the crowd and judging from the response and questions, found fertile ground and maybe even a Rotary sponsored community project? One immediate takeaway is to investigate including some portion of a food forest in our sponsorship of a natural playground near the elementary school.

Richard has published a small paperback book 'Food Forestry North of the 49th' which I can attest to is a great read. I think we will hear more from him.

Cheryle spoke about the recent passing of Vern Neilson, our current District Governor. He will be honoured at the District Conference April 28-29 in Kelowna.

Carlo is off to Revelstoke Friday for 3 days with all of the other inbounds from 5060...a fun time.

Vaughn spoke to the Coyote's winning ways with the playoffs games starting here on Feb 24th and 25th. Think about coming out to help at the beer garden and watching great hockey.

Harold won the 50/50 and is donating the proceeds to the next S. African project that the team will be presenting.

Think spring!

A small but mighty attendance on this day following the last snowfall of the season. Arizona (Ron), impassable roads (Jim and Cheryle) and South Africa (5), kept attendance down but the 12 attending had good fun. Guests included Robert Fisher, Richard (Times) and Joan Wilson and Lynn Welsh from Soroptimists. Robert has been a consistent 'snowbird' guest and soon returns to Saskatchewan but he vows he will return next winter!

Jeff presided and within the updates, he shared that DG Vern Neilson has been admitted to hospice...very saddening to all of us.

Jeff introduced our guest speaker, Joan Wilson, who gave a very informative and entertaining talk and visual  presentation on SI Soroptimists, capably assisted by Althea. Soroptimist has  a latin origin "soror" meaning sister and "optima" meaning best and is interpreted as 'the best for women'. Soroptimist International is an organization of some 75,000 members in 133 countries and the Osoyoos chapter dates back to 1986 which suggests that they celebrated their 30th anniversary last year.  They currently have 25 members including 7 charter members, and meet for dinner  on the 3rd Tuesday of each month - their average age is 'retired'.  Joan pointed out the similarities between Soroptimists and Rotary which centered on common values and goals in both the community and internationally. We also share Althea as a member and we meet at the same restaurant! The obvious difference between our clubs is  no guys!

Fundraising efforts include the Rocking Horse Raffle, Spring and Fall Fashion shows, a bottle drive and garage sales, and the list of community services they support is extensive including Desert Sun, Women's Safe House, bursaries, food bank and others. Joan referenced two youth programs they supported that sounded interesting; Save Teens High School Program and a new 'Dream It, Be It'.  All worthy. She challenged Rotary to see it there was a common fundraising venture that we could jointly participate in for common goals. 

It was noted that our S Africa expeditionary force will arrive home over the next week and we wish them safe travels back and look forward to reports. 

Next weeks speaker will be Richard speaking on the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society.

Gordon and Althea will be assisting Vaughn and Greg at Saturday's Coyote game...thanks guys.

The 50/50 was won by guest Lynn Welsh.

Safe shovelling everyone and believe that spring is imminent.

Jeff opened the meeting in Brian's absence and as usual did an excellent job. Our guests were Nina and Carlos our exchange students as well as Dale Cory from Oliver.  Our guest speaker was Sandy Summers giving us a vocational talk which gave us insight into her past. Jeff mentioned that this weekend the exchange students will be in Revelstoke for a fun filled weekend and for the first time all Rotarians are invited.

Global Grants have changed so now we can do construction of shelters and schools.

Jeff introduced Sandy and she proceeded to let us into her past.

Sandy is from St. Catherines, Ontario were she grew up on the old Welland Canal. She has a grown son from her first marriage and beautiful daughter with her husband Rob.

As a single Mom for a few years Sandy needed to find employment so rather than work for someone else she used her entrepreneur skills and started he own coffee bar in the student union building at Brock University. She became the "Java Queen".

She said she was naive about leases and unfortunately her lease was not renewed.

Never a failure, you learn from your experiences is one of her philosophies.

She had the opportunity to meet Donald Ziraldo who started Inniskilin wines and he encouraged her to get into the industry.So Sandy put her resume into wine glasses and went to every winery in the region  and dropped them off.

She got a sales position with Cave Springs Cellars in Jordan, Ontario. Guess who the wine maker was Rob of course.

Rob moved on to Peller Estates and came out to BC on a business trip and while he was here he found out that Hester Creek was in receivership and went back to Ontario and told Sandy he loved the location and vineyards of Hester Creek and that they might be able to make arrangements to buy it. NO, NO, NO was her response so it was forgotten for awhile.

After a few years Hester Creek was under new ownership and up and running again when Rob gets a phone call asking him if he would like to move his family out to BC and become the wine maker. Rob had to sell Sandy on the S OK. and coming from a metropolis to Ososyoos was truly a shock in many areas. Sandy said re-inventing herself at "40" was not in her game plan, so in 2009 Osoyoos became their new home.

Since arriving in Osoyoos Sandy has become very involved in the community through her volunteer work specializing in fundraising and Desert Sun Counseling has had the privilege of having Sandy on their Board for 8 years.

She heard of Rotary out East but never entertained the idea in the big city that she might be interested. She heard of club and saw all the community projects we are involved with and of course a sponsor of Desert Sun and admitted it was intriguing.

She met several Rotarians over the past through years and when Marieze invited her to a meeting she said yes. Obviously the rest is history and now Sandy is a valuable and welcomed member of the Rotary Club of Osoyoos.

See you Thursday for lunch.

Jeff very capably presided at today's meeting and will for the next 3 weeks while Pres Brian is doing good deeds in S. Africa. He introduced our 3 'frequent visitor' guests Dale, Robert and Richard and YE inbound Carlo to the 15 members attending. What he did not do was even casually reference his curling victory on the weekend in the Osoyoos Mens Curling Bonspiel!

Giselle LeClaire was introduced as our speaker and she proceeded to thoroughly entertain us with a well prepared, informative summary of her trip to India. Giselle and a good friend spent 29 days travelling this incredible country last fall starting out on October 12th. Lots of travel as they maxed 2-3 days in any one spot. A guide and driver was a requirement in all the cities mainly due to the sometimes overwhelming traffic and congestion and noise and then offsetting those times were the wondrous quieter times such as those in the tea plantations and religious sites.

She was energized when talking about the markets, the artisans, shopping, festivals and some of India's history. It was evident to her that India is an ancient country but a very young Democracy, strongly influenced by religion and family ties. Her slides were amazing as were the stories that went with them - apparently Indian beer and wine are very acceptable too. 

Giselle may have prompted more than a few in the room to think about putting India on that bucket list. Well done!

The S. African team should be arriving in Capetown about now and we hope their travels went well...maybe some reports/pictures soon? Ongoing Rotary programs that team members  either initiated or support are in good hands. The Backpack for School (Marize) food program is in Sandy's capable hands with Jim always handy and the Rotary After School (Brian) tutoring program is very successful with 19 students regularly attending - 8 teachers are available to instruct. 

The Coyote beer garden schedule is full for the remainder of January...thanks Doug,, and this is your reminder!

It was eventually discovered that Roger held the winning 50/50 ticket - can only surmise it will go to his Honduran water project!

A full, fun 2nd meeting of the New Year. Pres Brian introduced several guests including regulars Gregor Reid and Richard (Times), honorary member Roger Clinton, Dale Cory of Oliver Rotary and Robert Fisher, a snowbird Rotarian from Saskatchewan....if you ever wondered why we have snowbirds in Osoyoos where today it is -10, it was pointed out that it was -40 something in back in Sask!

The meeting was preceded by a Club Board meeting and I see that the notes from that are already distributed  from our secretary...go Jeff! Take note of how the results of almost $30,000 of fundraising efforts is being distributed. 

Our luncheon speaker was Paddy Head, who gave us a delightful and informative update on the Desert Park Exhibition Society. Paddy is the VP of the Society and is obviously a passionate proponent given her love of anything horsey...she was an early entrant into horse racing as a jockey early in the '70's and racing in E Canada and the US until 1990. It sounded like there would be a fascinating book from her life!

Paddy was not sure that there would be racing in Osoyoos this year. Evidently we are the only B circuit track left in BC, which underscores the decline of racing in North America. If we have a 1 or 2 day event this year is dependent on the support from the Hasting's A track and raising the purse money. 

But they will host the Medieval Fair May 20-21. This was a successful event of jousting and Medieval events last year with some 1200 attendees and will be expanded with a feast and Village/entertainment this year,  hoping to attract some 2000 guests, mainly tourists. She is looking to attract vendors, sponsors and volunteers. 

Paddy talked about the horse training facilities and shared that there will be 6 trainers here with some 80 horses, down from the ambitious 158 horses of 2016. She will be running tours of the facilities starting at the end of February for the public which should be interesting. Their immediate issue is an aging tractor to support the stable.

In other news...our South African expeditionary force is heading out next week to view our International project underway (school toilets). There are 11 Rotary/partners going led by Marieze and Garnett and the itinerary sounds exciting for them. They go armed with club funds to support local needs as they see them. Safe travels!

Happy Bucks yielded that it was Harold's significant  b'day tomorrow and he shared his plans to recognize those that came to his aid some 192 days ago at his hockey game in the morning. Neat!

And finally, Jeff won the 50/50 and was very clear that the proceeds would be directed to the Osoyoos Curling Club bar this weekend at the men's curling championships. I am not sure where Service Above Self came into the decision but I applaud this one!

We were golfing in Osoyoos last year in just over 4 weeks away from today so be hopeful!

The last meeting of 2016, and it was a full, fun one!

Guests included Rotarians Randy and Sheila Graham from Edmonton (looking to relocate here?), Richard from the Times and Vaughn in his first meeting as an Honorary Rotarian.

Pres Brian introduced our exchange student Carlo Geat as our luncheon speaker. I have been heard to say that YE is the best thing that Rotary does and Carlo clearly exemplifies that notion. He is a confident, well spoken, thoughtful young man with a great sense of humour. He is thriving in SOSS, his host families and within his YE cohort in 5060. 

Carlo spoke of his home city of Trento in NE Italy, near the Austrian border, a valley city of some 100m people and of his family there, comprised of 3 doctors and a literature scholar. Carlo's own career interest at this stage is in economics which may lead him into the business sector. 

He compared the two school systems and they appeared to be quite different but he talked to the merits of both. Carlo's outdoor hobbies included hiking/climbing, skiing and sailing but his passion is studying the violin and he is very good at that as demonstrated at our Christmas party. 

Carlo pursued the exchange program on his own initiative and chose Rotary through research and word of mouth from rebound students. We are so pleased he landed in Osoyoos and we look forward to hearing in June about his exchange year.

Remember to include Carlo in your plans in the new year.

Harold spoke about Kim and the ongoing help that he is spearheading with the Club to assist her through the holidays as a single parent with 2 autistic boys. Money has been raised and she will be on the Christmas hamper list but Harold is asking that we help their season with baked goods and any donations can be added to what he has by dropping them off at the Osoyoos Times office before next Thursday. Well done!

Jim reminded everyone so visit our 'most excellent' tree in the Festival of Trees (ours is in the Watermark foyer) and vote for it for $2...the proceeds go to Children's hospital.

The next board meeting will be at 11am on Jan 12th and we will be deciding on our funding for a community project at that time. Information on the choices will be distributed to the membership shortly.

Jim was the high bidder for concert series tickets and that money went to Kim.

Doug was the 50/50 winner....suspect the proceeds will go to his stocking fund!

Next meeting is Jan 5th and Roger will be presenting his Honduran project.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Energy! Lots of energy at the Thursday meeting from the opening anthem to the 50/50 draw. Pres Brian recognized 2 Honorary and Charter members in attendance, Roger and Judy. Recognition as well to the Christmas tree decorating team for our best tree ever in the Festival of Trees (Tracy, Sandi, Hilary, Gordon, Jim, Pam).

Reminder of the Christmas Lite-up Friday night where we will be serving hot dogs and hot chocolate in exchange for food bank donations. Sounded like several folks are planning to help out Brian between 5 and 7pm.

Our guest speaker was Kelley Glazer, our new executive director for Destination Osoyoos. She started her new role in early May of this year and spoke to us of her experience for the position and the first 6 months - a very professional and articulate speaker! 

Kelley's background included several senior sales/marketing and recruitment roles in Prince George (17 years) and Victoria (10 years) involving private sector, government and First Nations. She is currently completing a masters program at Royal Roads enroute to a degree in hospitality/tourism.

Kelley has brought on an entirely new team at DO and she is excited about the talent and experience that the new staff brings. In their role as a not-for-profit society, they focus on tourism as the main economic driver in the region but economic development opportunities often go hand in hand so their strategies includes planning for both. They will continue to manage the traditional tourism events in the area and plan to add one new event in May. This is Devour Osoyoos, a festival that focuses on the film industry combined with food and wine - more to come out soon. We will see/hear more on the theme of films and culinary experiences. 

She has a budget of some $600,000 to provide these tourism, economic development initiatives (miracles?) and run the visitor centre. The bulk of that ($400m) comes from the 2% hotel tax (MRDT) with the Town and RDOS granting another ($100m) for tourism and Spirit Ridge adds $50m for directing marketing services. The Town also contracts them for economic development services at $80m. 

A large challenge so will be interesting to have Kelley back in a year for an update...I suspect she will be quite successful and we wish her well. 

Please sign up with Brian for attendance at the Club Christmas Party on Dec 8th at Camp Marina starting at 6:30. There is a rumour that Bach and Rudolf will provide violin serenades!

A very festive meeting on the opening day of Mt Baldy!

Yet another sunny November day and yet another memorable Rotary meeting!

First of all we had impressive guests. Pres Brian introduced visiting Rotarians Joan Peggs (incoming ADG from Oak Bay); Eunice Maris (charter member of the first all-women Rotary Club in Edmonton some 26 years ago) and returning Rotarian Greg Reid from Strafford ON (very welcome assistant to Vaughn in Coyote beer garden staffing!). Also Roly Chin (a charter member of our Club) attended in support of our guest speaker Dick Sass. 

Giselle was back from a long sojourn to India and while she will share highlights at an upcoming meeting, I would encourage everyone to visit her blog at carolandgiselleindia.blogspot.ca in the interim....great reading!

Dick Sass then spoke to us as a member of the Arlington Wa. Free Methodist Church and a children's advocate. He has been a long time annual visitor to Haiti and this past year built a school/church there and has been asked to build another next year. He shared pictures of the old school and then the construction of the new building...the site and concrete pad was prepped and laid in advance but after six days the steel framed and concrete block wall building was basically complete....impressive! It will house some 160 students. Dick and his building crew work under the auspices of ICCM (International Child Care Ministries) which is a huge church based support organization for children, currently sponsoring some 20,000 children in 32 countries.

Dick's group works with Haiti children in need and he and his wife have sponsored several kids, starting back in 1997. There are 7100 school children already sponsored there but there are 2160 more waiting for help. Dick had brought several applications from children (pictures/backgrounds etc) just in case anyone at the meeting was interested at a cost of $35 Cdn per month which covers tuition, uniform, school supplies and a daily meal. The first to raise her hand was Pam and she 'adopted' Francesca Jean-Pierre....way to go Pam!

You can find more about Canadian involvement at iccm@fmcic.ca.

There were a couple of updates on two of our Clubs initiatives. The Rotary School-After-School tutoring program is up and running and very successful. This involves free tutoring of students from elementary to high school by accredited volunteers...there are more students than teachers at this time! The Backpack program is in it's third week of providing weekend food/nourishment  for students in need, currently 5 in elementary and 2 high school are recipients....feedback is very positive.

Upcoming events include decorating of the Rotary tree at the Festival of Trees (date to be confirmed); December 2nd Light up Parade and the December 8th Christmas party at Campo (details to come, but mark the calendar).

Whew!

And Gordon won the 50/50 draw and from all that we could tell, it simply went into his pocket - probably pegged for Roberta's Christmas present, eh?

This is the last week for golf...but there is snow on Mt Baldy!

If you were ever in doubt about what Rotary is about, check in with attendees at today's meeting as they were exposed to the very best that Rotary does. Just to be clear, the singing of O'Canada is not our forte, but stay tuned to what is.

In order, there was first an update on the  Backpack weekend food project by Marieze. The second 7 backpacks of food for the weekend are to be delivered today to the elementary and OSS schools where they will be given to students in need as identified by the staff for weekend nutrition. The Ministry supports morning and noon support for hungry kids and this program will then help them through the weekend with nutritional and easy to prepare food. Our two local grocery outlets and Lakeview Bakery are supporting the program with donations to a menu prepared and distributed by Marieze, Sandi and Jim and paid for by our Club. The first weekend packs were well received by the kids as reported by the schools - this is indented to be a very anonymous program. Hmmmm....

Secondly there was a Rotary Moment shared by Harold. Evidently at the last meeting, Harold told folks seated around him about a woman he had encountered at the Curling club who was obviously struggling with managing an autistic son. He took it on himself to inquire and it turned out that this was a single mom who was dealing with not one, but two autistic sons aged 15 and 17 and appeared to be at her financial and emotional limits. So, Pam donated her 50/50 winnings and several others quietly contributed similarly and Harold found himself with $160 to offer to this mother (Kim) to spend on herself as respite. She was blown away and very grateful. Hmmmmm...

Next was our luncheon speaker. Catrina (Nina) spoke on her outbound year to France last year and clearly demonstrated why some of us believe that Youth Exchange is the best thing that Rotary does. Nina is now a mature, confident young woman who clearly thrived and grew from her exchange abroad. She will finish her secondary school at SOSS this year and has plans to grow her Rotary experience with International Studies and Interact/Rotaract involvement. Nina shared pictorially her host city of Villefranche in South Central France, her host families, host Rotary District and Club and her very extensive travels there which by my count, included 9 different countries! It was not all easy times for her by any means but the trials/tribulations she went through sounded like confidence and character builders. The Rotary friendships she established will last her a lifetime - we are very proud of her! Her friend and our current inbound Carlo adeptly managed the slide presentation!

To complete our Club's YE current experience, there is an wonderful update/letter attached to us from our outbound Sylvia (Heiligenhaus, Germany) which you will certainly enjoy. I know  I have sent her blog address out before but as a reminder it is: http:/smgermanyexchange.weebly.com. Do read this and contact her with comments/questions. 

Hmmmmm....

Service above self? I think so...well done all!

Pres Brian introduced newest member Sandi Summers....welcome and congrats! Other guests were Manine Tarr and Richard from the Times. 

Jim reminded everyone of the tour of the new prison in Oliver on Nov 23rd - evidently 80+ Rotarians will be participating - suspect they are confusing this as assisted living options?? 

The Christmas party has been set for Dec 8th so set aside the date and details will follow. A fireside for new members (information exchange) will be set for later this month.

Jim won the 50/50 yet one more time! The Foundation will be the recipient!

A good meeting .....Happy Remembrance Day Friday!

A fun meeting on a sunny November 3rd day. Shouldn't everyone be golfing? Evidently the call of Service Above Self prevailed so we met indoors with a board meeting first and then a regular noon meeting. Choices! 

Guest introductions included honorary member Roger Clinton and newest member Ken Campbell. Roger is not returning to Honduras this year so maybe we will see him at more meetings- he will do a Honduran presentation/update in the New Year. 

As Foundation Chair, Jim presented an update on Rotary Foundation in this 100th Year anniversary of the founding of the fund. Back in 1917, the first donation of $26.50 was made in Atlanta GA. to what became the Rotary Foundation, an endowment fund dedicated to 'doing good in the world'. It is one of the world's leading humanitarian foundations and has funded thousands of Rotary projects worldwide, the most noteworthy being the eradication of polio. November is recognized as Foundation month. 

As a sidenote, I benefited myself, with grants from the Foundation, to establish a refuge for 360 tribal children in Northern Thailand over a 5 year period for which I will always be thankful. 

Jim asked that each Rotarian think about what the Foundation has done and will continue to do and support it by giving at least the original $26.50, but give something. The expectation of EREY (Every Rotarian, Every Year) is $100 US. It is so easy to do online through rotary.org and MY ROTARY but if anyone has any difficulties, Jim is available to walk you through the process. Easy peasy!

Did you note that the 2017 Rotary Convention June 10-14 is in Atlanta? Coincidence? I think not!

The District leadership training was successfully held in Osoyoos over the weekend with 9 attending from our Club. Pres Brian summarized the 3 District goals of Foundation, Rotary Image and membership - we will address all 3 in our Club. 

Under dates to note and remember, the noon meeting on Dec 8th will be our annual general meeting and we will have our Christmas celebrations that evening....details to follow.  Also Osoyoos Xmas light-up will be on Dec 2nd and the Club will be serving hot chocolate and hot dogs - volunteers will be needed so please contact Brian if you can help out -proceeds will go to the food bank.

Pres Brian also asked for input for a community project for this Rotary year - the club has the funds and is looking for a worthy project. Considerations so far include developing a hiking trail, expanding facilities at the splash park and a new playground at the elementary school. 

The tour of the new prison in Oliver for the Club is well subscribed and we will leave by bus from the Arena at 3:00pm on November 23rd. Those who have not given to Foundation by then will NOT be required to remain at the venue!

Pam won the 50/50 and somehow got the notion that it should be donated to the Foundation...smart girl!

And the best news of the day? Lynda has done some deep thinking and with only one (or two) minor hurdles left to work through will be our President Elect....yay!

The speaker for next week is Nina! She will share her experiences from a fantastic year in YE in France last year. 

Cheers!

What a perfect day for a Rotary Meeting...ok, a perfect day as well for a lot of things other than saving the world through Rotary with the sun, warmth and at last, no wind.

Even Pres Brian took the time to recharge from the Lobster event so Jim King capably presided. He introduced our 2 guests Ken Campbell (guest of Gordon and prospective member) and Dale Cory (Rotarian with Oliver but now living in Osoyoos).

The meeting was primarily a recap/debrief from the hugely successful Lobster on the Beach event on Saturday. Accolades to the co-chairs Judy and Cheryl - what a job well done. This was by far the best of the 4 years as it ran so smoothly and the responses from the guests were uniformly and exuberantly positive, especially around the food and dancing. 

AND according to Jim we made double the money over last year. Once the expenses are all in, it looks like we will make in excess of $15,000. So many Rotarians and supporters to thank for it all...wow! There were suggestions for next year for improvements and approaches but the thought was that if we were to start selling tickets tomorrow, we would be sold out again in short order. Check out Clubrunner as there are pictures of the evening taken by Gordon and posted by Jim - check them out. 

Gordon reminded us of our social in 2 weeks (September 29th). There will not be a noon meeting and replacing that will be a gathering at the Owl Pub for drinks and appies between 4:30 and 5:00 followed later by coffee and a tour at the nearby Osoyoos Museum. Spouses and friends are encouraged to participate.

There was also a discussion around the Club supporting a elementary school program that would provide food for a young student in need over the weekend as the school/system provides something during the week. Something in the order of only $20/wk. It was unanimously supported that Marieze would present details at the next board meeting.

Vaughn has sent out a schedule for staffing the Coyote Beer Garden and everyone is encouraged to sign up. The games are predominately on the weekends so easy to make and they are fun to attend. Please sign up for a few games.

In youth exchange, it was reported that Carlo thrived  the Orientation Weekend in Penticton and is doing really well in his Oliver host family and school environment. He and Nina will attend a meeting soon. 

Marieze gave an update on the S. Africa trip that included more home hosting events side trips...sounding pretty wonderful.

Finally, Lynda won the 50/50 and promptly donated it to the S Africa project.

And Giselle was released to go golfing!

A great day in Osoyoos for a Rotary meeting and apparently also for the masses of tourists soaking up the sun and desperately in need of driving lessons!

Jim King presided (good job!) introducing guest Rotarian Bea from Penticton, Richard from the Times and our guest speaker Richard Cannings, NDP MP for S Okanagan-W Kootenay. Richard did an impression job of sharing experiences of his first term in Ottawa and updating us on the issues facing our region from the Federal position. 

As a member of the NDP Caucus, he is Critic for Post-Secondary Education and also Critic for Natural Resources, both of which fit nicely into his background as a well published natural historian, bird expert and UBC instructor. 

We all enjoyed his easy manner in describing his role in Ottawa and it was neat to hear that he is thoroughly enjoying the exposure he has to current information and 'experts' as part of the standing committees and also that he has an opportunity to influence direction and decisions. He did sound a tad frustrated at the lack of real progress by the government with only 2 bills passed in the last 6 month session....very slow pace! He is hoping for more process on the climate change and electoral reform issues coming up the the next session starting mid September. 

He touched on the 3 issues that the Feds are working on that affect us and was well versed on all 3; the Softwood Lumber Agreement dispute with the US, the Columbia River Treaty renegotiation again with the US and the National Park controversy. 

There was a good question and answer session and overall a very positive reception by the members...he agreed to come back with updates on a future break.

Lynda reminded us to mark the August 15th Moonlight Movie Madness night on calendars. This is the Interior Savings sponsored outdoor movie presentation of Zootopia. Rotary will receive the proceeds so bring chairs/blankets and kids to the upper field behind the elementary school starting at 7pm with movie at dusk. 

Next weeks meeting will feature our YE outbound student Sylvia Mott who will give us her presentation that she will be giving to her host Rotary Club in Germany. Fun! Our outbound student Nina just back from her year in France may also attend. Our inbound this year Carlo Geat from Italy arrives in just 3 weeks so lots going on to finalize host families both here and in Oliver. 

LOTB updates were worked as the dinner is coming up fast. It is a sold out event! Harold will head up the lobster cooking crew and nailed down the volunteers for that. Please hand in the ticket stubs/money soon as there is a waiting list.

Somehow Althea won the 50/50 draw....so many others were not expecting that!

Have a safe and fun week!

Today's meeting was primarily a working session in preparation for Saturday's golf tournament but there was some business to cover as well. President Marieze had two member announcements. The first was that Brian Rawlings and Karen Hewett will be switching roles in next years executive with Brian assuming the Presidency at the upcoming installation on June 27th and Karen will continue as President Elect for the 2016-17 Rotary year. The second was that Vaughn Denis has resigned from the Club and this just after a hugely successful Cactus Jalopy event that he managed so well. Vaughn has been a good friend of Rotary and to many of us as members and we will miss him as an integral Rotarian in our Club. 

And speaking of Cactus Jalopy, Brian reported early numbers indicate a profit of some $2400 to the Club....really great effort by Vaughn and most of the Club volunteers.

Marieze shared the OSS students who will be receiving our scholarships (one of $500 and one of $1000) on June 26th. There was also a letter from the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation acknowledging our $5000 contribution, the first piece of our $30,000 total commitment.

Jim shared that the Club is 75% toward our Foundation goal and encouraged anyone/everyone to take advantage of the few days remaining in which they sign in to rotary.org and make their contribution. Easy peasy he says!

Doug in his role as chair of the golf tournament, then lead us in updates with only 2 days to go. It appears we are on task for a very successful one. All the volunteers are set, there are 22 teams for golf (88 players) with 120 signed up for the dinner/auction. Hole sponsorship alone stands at $5700...and incredible overall effort by Doug and his committees.

Marieze won the 50/50 and donated it to the 'Camille' fund!

A good meeting.

A great meeting today, so pay attention as there is a lot here to take in!

President Marieze introduced guests/near members Tracy and Elly, and speakers Ken Clarke and Tracy McFadden and Richard McGuire, following a riveting Oh Canada.

First of all, an update on our Fort McMurray donations. Last week Marieze passed a box around and the members present contributed $700 for the fire victims. Any additional donations this week will be added and the total will be matched by the club and forwarded to their Rotary District for distribution with matching grants. Well done!

Marieze also updated us on South Africa, both the project underway now and the visit by members next January. There are really good pictures on the Rotary Club of Franschhoek Valley Facebook. Check out the good progress on construction of the pre-school building (creche) on which we will be providing the toilet facilities. The first 3 toilets have been ordered and our club has sent the money.

In other undates, we are looking for host families for inbound YE student Carlo Geat - let Marieze or I know if you have interest or questions, and the VTT (Vocational Training Team) from Australia arrives next Friday for the weekend...there will be an opportunity for us to meet them at an informal social on the Saturday evening so mark your calendars and more information will follow.

Marieze also presented a Paul Harris pin and award to Bill Lawrence. This is his third! In his acceptance Bill confirmed that he and Lenore will be leaving Osoyoos soon to take up residence in Penticton to be closer to their 2 daughters and health resources. They both will be missed. 

Harold then shared highlights of this past weekend at the Rotary District Conference in Yakima. He attended with Audrey and 500 other Rotarians to hear great motivational and humorous speakers, participate in fellowship events and watch a moving Youth Exchange presentation by all the inbounds, highlighted by a video presentation prepared by our own Camille. He also brought back a plaque and award given to one Rotarian in each club in District 5060....our humble and honoured recipient member was very appreciative! 

An excellent speaker presentation followed. Tracy McFadden, Executive Director of the Desert Valley Hospice Society and Ken Clarke, President of the Board of Directors tag teamed an impressive and informative talk. Ken noted that the values of DVHS and Rotary have a good deal in common with health, activity and engagement being essential. DVHS provides hospice palliative or end-of-life care for those in need in Osoyoos and Oliver within Interior Health. Based in a supportive care centre in Osoyoos, the Society educates and trains some 35 volunteers in delivering care and programs to those on life ending journeys, their caregivers and the communities in which they live. They offer many programs such as advance care planning facilitation, bereavement and grief support. 

Like most non profit groups, DVHS could use financial support from Rotary but Ken also suggested that there were other ways in which our 2 organizations could join to service the community...a worthy challenge to the club.

A good round of happy bucks and Elly won the 50/50, donating it to Fire victims. 

For your calendar then:

May 27 Social for Ramiro's birthday 

May 28 Social for the VTT

June 4 Cactus Jalopy Beer Garden

June 11 Rotary Golf Tournament

June 27 Club Installation of Executive 

July 1 Canada Day Pancake Breakfast

Pres Marieze ended with the quote "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless" from Mother Teresa. Actually these were the close to the previous meeting but worth repeating!

The first May meeting was a good one...even if the singing of Oh Canada was abysmal! Pres Marieze introduced our guests which included our speaker Laurie Myres, 'near members' Giselle and Althea and our youth exchange was well represented with past outbound student Tiana Smith and of course Camille. 

Laurie is the Support and Education Coordinator for the S. Okanagan/Similkameen (Summerland to Rock Creek) for the Alzheimer Society of BC. She is an excellent speaker and obviously very invested in her role as evidenced by the member interest and number of questions. Laurie first defined the scale of disease in BC, currently at 70,000 that are known with another 30,000 that are not diagnosed or identified and while we think of Alzheimers as an 'old' persons disease, 10,000 of those are under 65. Alzheimers is the most common form of dementia, which is an overall term for symptoms caused by brain disorders and it is irreversible, destroying brain cells and causing cognitive abilities and memory to deteriorate. 

She stressed that at the earliest signs of potential dementia, seek medical help to both define what the disease is and if appropriate start a drug program (one of 4 available) that could help in slowing down its progression.  People can be very high functioning in the early stages.

Laurie suggested that all of us can initiate a brain health program ourselves..now. They include protecting the brain (helmets etc), challenging it (doing things differently), monitoring heath as in knowing your numbers ( blood, sugars etc) and exercising, staying social. Sounds like Rotary...except for the helmets.

We should have her back...note to the new Program Chair (Mike) and in the meantime check our their website at www.alzheimerbc.org. 

One final note of interest is that the countries with the lowest incident rates of alzheimers are India and Pakistan and the notion is that there is a relationship with diet, so bulk up on your tumeric and cumin!

Tiana updated us on her time since Finland 4 year ago. She just completed her 3rd year at UVIC in kenisiology and has some upcoming decisions on specialization in her field. Great to see her back. Camille reported some prowess in soccer with 2 goals in the past week and then a goal in hockey...and she does not play either!

Linda won the 50/50 and yet again donated it to the S. African project. And speaking of that project, 3 toilets (of the 20) that we are sponsoring are being installed this month. 

Following the meeting Marieze led an initial planning session for members thinking of travelling to S.Africa to inspect our international project. Looking very positive with 13 members/friends considering it, leaving later in January next year for 3 weeks. 

Dates to note:

June 4th - Cactus Jalopies

June 11th - Rotary Golf Tournament

June 27th - Installation

July 1st - Pancake breakfast

A great meeting and one of the first in Osoyoos history in which we did not have at least one guest! I am not suggesting anything around our guests but the 'Oh Canada' was better than the norm. 

On notices, this Saturday night is the Oliver Club fundraising dinner and there are a few tickets left - we have at least 2 members attending. Also, the Cancer Daffodil Dash fundraiser is on this upcoming Sunday and are looking for volunteers - contact Eileen McGinn if you can spare a few hours. Also, our District has designated local food banks as a priority and we agreed to support the notion and bring donations to both the meeting next week and the social which follows...stay tuned!

Our scheduled speaker bailed so we were fortunate to call on Mike Brousseau to give his vocational talk...very short notice but job really well done. Mike is our newest member. Despite his good looks and demeanor he admitted he was an Ontario boy...northern originally. Sports played a large part of his life with; basketball, both as a player and coach in which he excelled, wind surfing in which he was very proficient, golf in which he shows strong promise, and squash in which he sucks.  If pancake flipping ever gets to be an Olympic sport, we have a contender!

Mike was a teacher, primarily in PE until the AID's issue arose in the 80's where, after an teaching exchange for a year in Australia, he became the poster child for health and sex education, developing and delivering a curriculum to a needy teacher audience. Some fun stories. He retired to Osoyoos with Anne Marie (but really to ski with Harold and I ) and to enjoy his 3 kids who also chose BC as more desirable to live in than....

Welcome Mike!

So, now pay attention to next week's schedule. There is a noon meeting with guest speaker NDP Education critic Rob Flemming PLUS an evening social at the Osoyoos Yaught Club at 5:00 at which Marize will present our first $5000 to Janice Perrino of the SOS Medical Foundation for the new Patient Care Tower in Penticton. This is our major community project for the next 5 years so a good start. 

So, plan to attend both but only bring a salad/desert to the evening function..it would help if you let you Marieze know what you are bringing so we don't duplicate. Brian will bring the BBQ protein and Mike is coordinating the venue. Some prep and cleanup is requested.

There was an update on this past weekends Youth Exchange event in Chelan where our club's outbound student Sylvia and our inbound Camille (plus sister Albane) participated. All 3 did great! It was noted that our Rotary District is the largest and strongest participant in YE in North America...safe and successful exchanges. Sylvia is heading to Heiligenhaus in Germany in August. AND, our inbound student for next year is Carlo Geat from Trento Italy. His bio sounds fantastic so think about home hosting? Note also that Camille will be 17 this Saturday...we will celebrate at the BBQ!

Lynda won the 50/50 and promptly donated it to the SA project (Marieze will be sending out a meeting announcement for those thinking of participating in January).

Marieze closed with the quote 'nothing can dim the light from within'. Worthy!

A sunny St Patricks Day! There was no Guinness in sight but a good meeting nonetheless. Pres Marieze introduced several guests including Knowles McGill (Rotary Sioux Lookout), Carole Byrd (guest speaker), Heather (Rotarian from Grande Prairie), Richard (the Times) and the very note able Gregor Read from St Catherine's who has been with us all winter, becoming a good friend attending many meetings and volunteering at most of our Coyote beer garden events. Safe travels Greg and look forward to seeing you back home in the fall. 

Mike and Gisele are our newest members and both present.

Pres Marieze shared 2 upcoming events. April 9th is Osoyoos 15th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and Judy volunteered to coordinate that for the Club and May 27-29th is the visit to Osoyoos of the 5 member Vocational Training Team from Australia and Brian volunteered to coordinate their visit so will be looking for help with visits to local agricultural sites as their focus is farming. 

Marieze introduced our guest speaker Carole Bird. Carole is a recent Osoyoos resident having retired from a 27 year career with the RCMP, most recently in Ottawa as Inspector in Charge for the NCMPUR which of course is the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains. Everyone knows that one? A very confident and enjoyable speaker and presentation. Carole shared information new to us about Missing Persons (MP) and Missing Children (MC) with the distinction being MP's are adults, persons over 18 years of age. People over 18 can go 'missing' if they choose to as their choice but children cannot. There are on average 21 thousand MPs per year and 41 thousand MCs per year reported. Of the MCs, 43% are 14 or 15 year olds. 

NCMPUR is not an investigative agency but more a national repository for data and support for the regional policing authorities. They share best practices, train the local police and provide a database for Canadian, and International, investigations. The direction is for them to standardize the approach to MPs, understand root causes, create a National DNA database and understand the roles of NGO's such as Amber Alert EU, Missing Children of Canada (of which Carole is a Director) and the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. 

Of special interest was the potential add to the Amber Alert which is the Silver Alert which should be of interest to our Club and especially to Ron Leigh....where is he?  Everyone appreciated the presentation. 

Under upcoming events to think about are the Pancake Breakfast on March 26th and our exchange student Camille needing hosting and activities for herself and sister April 10 to 23. 

David won the 50/50 (again!) claiming that the proceeds are going to his ongoing charity of supplies to Mexican children....bring pictures!

A board meeting broke out following the regular meeting....stay tuned for the minutes!

Yay spring!

Pres: Marieze opened today's first March spring meeting welcoming guests Richard (Times) and Rotarian snowbird Lyle and spouses Audrey, Hilary and Leahanne. Ron was also welomed home from his winter exile in California. As Marieze was also our luncheon speaker, she led right into her presentation on our Clubs International Project which has become much clearer from her recent trip to S. Africa.

The overarching project is called the Bhadhathane (meaning 'change') Project and is a vision/plan for education in the Franschhoek Valley, a popular tourist area about 40 minutes outside Cape Town. While much of the Valley is prosperous (agriculture,wine, tourism) there is also a significant issue with poverty in squatter camps and the associated lack of access to schools and education. One particular problem is early childhood access where facilities may not be certified and therefore not funded by the Government and are simply appalling according to Marieze on inspection. These facilities, Early Childhood Development Centers have to be brought up to standards in order to be funded and absorbed into the education system and that is where the Franschhoek Valley Rotary Club comes in. Marieze met with the Club and the DG and learned of their work under the Bhadhathane banner to provide 24 mobile schools (rooms of 30-45sq m each) at a cost of $11,000 each. Marieze learned that there are no toilets included for the 40 children each would hold and it was suggested that  we could provide that component. The suggested solution is a neat waterless toilet system (google Ecosan). Each site would require 4 toilets at a cost of $800 per unit, so $3200 for each school the FVRC builds. 

Harold captured our thoughts best in saying that our club has been searching for years for an international project to participate in and this looks worthy and we should damn well get on with it! Children, literacy and sanitation all in one project and the Club has $20,000 budgeted already! There is an friendship exchange component with the FVRC and maybe an opportunity for some hands-on work which still needs to be worked out. The pilot unit will be constructed this fall in the Groendal community and we agreed that Marieze should reconnect with FVRC and support toilets for that first one at least. Any members thinking about visiting the project should set aside time in January of 2017...there may be a stampede!

Excellent presentation Marieze...hope this is an accurate enough summary.

PE Karen and ADG Cheryle had attended the PETS training (too many acronyms!) last weekend in Seattle with 798 other energetic Rotarians and insisted it was well run and informative with amazing speakers...and not just another Rotary party!

Matt won the 50/50 and split the proceeds between the Scholarship Foundation and a future pitcher of beer....a true Rotarian!

Next weeks speaker is Kevin Harrisson (Ret) on the RCMP.

Bring this spring on!

Pres Marieze presided this grey February noon over a meeting that turned out to provide lively/fun and good fellowship. First was a couple of notices; Marize and Cheryle are attending a grant writing seminar in Omak this weekend and would welcome anyone to join them, and the Club has been invited to participate in the Atom Fiesta hockey tournament to be held here on March 11-13 and manage a beer garden...more information to come. 

Marieze introduced our guest speaker Mike Harrison. Mike is the Osoyoos Golf Course Superintendent, joining the club in 1989 as Assistant Super when it was an 18 hole course. He became Superintendent in 1991 and oversaw the grown to 27 holes in 1994 and then to 36 holes in 2006. Todays golf clubhouse was added in 2000. Mike was thrilled to see the course open early this year, February12th, in such great condition.  The winter was good to us! Mike has a staff of 3 year round employees which grows to 24 in the golf season. He shared that one of his larger challenges is managing the water supply from the effluent ponds with its significant salt component. Regular flushing of the grass areas and salt tolerant vegetation are just 2 solutions. Mike also shared good stories on the management of the marmot, seagull and geese populations. An entertaining and informative talk and I can attest to the great job of greens keeping Mike and the crew provide to us golf enthusiasts ...hackers!

Still on golf, Doug advised that our Club tournament will be on June 11 on the Desert Course. Matt has taken on the lead for golfing registry and teams.

And while you are marking that calendar, include:

-April 23rd, if you are able to attend the Oliver Club dinner/auction annual fundraiser

-February 25th, luncheon speakers from the Penticton Hospital Medical Foundation 
-March 3rd luncheon presentation by Marieze on our S. African project next January

-May 12-15 District Conference in Yakima

-Sept 10th evening of LOTB (Lobster on the Beach- you probably have that noted already)

Also reminders of the Board meeting following next Thursday's  meeting and safe travels to Karen and Cheryle as they head to PETS in Seattle next weekend. 

David raked in the 50/50 and intends to use that money to add to the supply of school supplies he will be taking to kids in Mexico. 

And that was the meeting...apart from Matt showing off his newest girl Molly, a sweet  chocolate lab pup.

Being the fourth Thursday in the month, today's meeting format was a business update and fellowship...no speaker. In spite of that, PE Karen led a fast paced, informative fun meeting starting with one of the best O Canada's ever!  Guests included Trevor, Giselle, Marilyn, and Mike. 

Jim reported that we are 63% towards our club Foundation goal, approximately $1800 so far. EVEY...every Rotarian, every year ...gives something. He also reported that the Town fire-hall is on time and on budget but we have no idea what committee that came from. 

Lynda shared that attendance continues a club strength, in excess of 80% YTD.

ADG Cheryle had several updates. This weekend she will be attending Pre-Pets with PE Karen with the full PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) coming up at the end of Feb. The District Grand Mgmt. Seminar will be help in Omak on Feb 20 and while she and Jim will attend, anyone interested is encouraged to join them. The District Conference is May 12-15 in Yakima and there will be a bus available and the special news is that the cost of the conference will be converted to Cdn at par! 

Cheryle also shared that the LOTB (lobster on the beach) dinner on Sept. 10th will once again brag Mark Madryga as master of ceremonies. Well done!

Secretary Doug is ordering replacement name tags so let him know if you need one. He also talked about the golf tournament which will be June 11th or 25th. He needs help for our biggest fundraiser and needs a response to his recent email, either way so please email him. 

Brian gave a very positive Treasurers update with $30m in the bank and $20m set aside for our 2 major projects. 

Under Youth Exchange,  both our inbound Camille and outbound Sylvia students are off to Revelstoke the weekend after next for a fun Weekend in the Mountains event. This is the first meeting for all the outbounds together with our current students so will be a hoot. Camille is spending this next week in Whistler as a guest of Rotarians from Quincey....c'est une chance!

In other news, Trevor gave us a summary of the very successful SOAP play just concluded in Oliver...Noices Off, in which he acted (I can attest to a very fun play and an excellent lead role for him) and also shared that he is starting acting classes for both kids (10 to 14) and adults (15 to 105). There are limited spots so check out next weeks Times for more information.

There will be a SOS (Save our School) meeting on Feb 9th at the Sonora Center....lots of emotional fodder in this topic!

And that was it! Good meeting....except that Doug won the 50/50, but it will wind up in Foundation so all was good.

2 weeks to golf season!

PE Karen presided over a full house of 21 members and guests. All were appreciating the mild week of weather and first sun in some time. 

Karen introduced our 3 guest speakers from Special Olympics BC (SOBC) representing the South Okanagan. Reanne Holden spoke first in her capacity of Manager of Community Development in the Okanagan. She shared that SOBC's goal for the past 30 years has been to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and in turn, the lives of their families, friends and everyone they've touched. SOBC provides sports programs and competitions to more than 4300 SO athletes, year round, in 57 communities in BC. The amazing statistic though is that there are 3300 volunteers in support of them! The organization is international and totally athlete centered.

Lee Chic spoke next as the local volunteer/coordinator for SOBC. There are some 50 disabled athletes in the Osoyoos/Oliver corridor (only 2 in Osoyoos!) and they participate in 4 of the 18 sports played internationally; swimming, bowling, bocce and curling. Their ages range from 7 to 74. Lee introduced Alberto Holt as a Special Olympian from Osoyoos and he spoke proudly of his successes in swimming and bowling, even sharing a couple of his medals. All three were obviously and vocally proud and passionate about the program, exemplified by the story of Alberto having to actually fall down each time he bowls a ball and still loves the competition, without complaint. 

The presentation was to create awareness and ask for interested volunteers for the program and specifically for the local competitions. The next one here is a 2 day bocce tournament June 11 and 12. As the date approaches, Karen will remind us and coordinate volunteers. Quite different from the Para Olympics that we are more familiar with, but just as worthy.

Remember that you read this here first...Richard McGuire, eat your heart out!

No speaker next week as it is our business/social meeting. 

Giselle won the 50/50...so she will be back! 

Great job Karen.

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt" .....SO Athlete's Oath.

A sunny crisp Osoyoos day outside and equally bright inside....someone had sprinkled a generous dose of the spirit of giving over the meeting!

PR Karen presided and introduced our guest speaker Michael Ryan who is spearheading the arrival and sponsorhip of a Syrian refugee family to Osoyoos. He spoke to the tremendous need to respond to this tragedy, the greatest human displacement since WW2. This family would come under the private sponsorship piece of the 25,000 refugees that the Cdn goverment has committed to. A steering committee of 14 is working the logistics, having raised just over half of the $30,000 they view is needed in the first year. A house is rented and there have been so many donations given that the more immediate needs are financial. He does not know much about the family coming other than there are four with 2 children aged 5 and 8 and they will arrive before February and hopefully by year's end. Support was immediately offered by individuals in the club and Michael was recognized for this worthy project.

ADG Cheryle then spoke on some of her learnings from her District role over the past 6 mos (she will share more in a future meeting), encouraging all of us to reflect on the reasons why we joined Rotary and ensure our actions and behaviors are consistent with the 4-way test.

Lynda updated us on the Christmas 'Adopt a Family' program that our club is supporting...this year it is a family of 5 with 3 girls aged 5, 7 and 11. She will distribute a list of needs and we can respond directly to her...of course there was lots of support from members! There is a fairly short time frame allowed for collection so please respond promptly.

We have been approached by the District to consider taking on an outbound student from the  Summerland Club as they had 2 outstanding applicants and could only support one. They recognized that we were not successful in finding a student locally and of course we need an outbound to receive an inbound next fall. The response from the club was immediate and strongly supportive...so very gratifying! The upshot is that we have a super excited Sylvia Mott now knowing she will be on exchange next year and is looking forward to meeting the club at the December 10th meeting. Well done!

Harold has taken the lead on our Festival of Trees decoration following the meeting at Inkameep...there was promise of 'bubbly' for those helping to decorate! The is part of some $60m that the Festival has contributed to Children's Hospital over the past 5 years.

Pam outbid everyone for the awesome Rotary licence plate holders that PE Karen auctioned! Lucky girl, and then Harold promised to mount them for her!

See what I mean by spirit of giving?

Remember no noon meeting next week, replaced by our Christmas function that evening at the Golf Club. 

President Marieze welcomed the 16 members/guests to this Nov 12th meeting.....little did we know, the date was significant separating Remembrance Day and the horrific Paris and Beirut terrorist atrocities. 

Our guest speaker was Denise Blashko, executive Director of the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce. Denise took over the role in early September, coming from a Community Futures position in Penticton and a range of regional economic development roles in BC and Alta.  She came at a busy time with the Festival of the Grape event upcoming and the strategic planning time of year at hand. She has an affinity and passion for making a difference in rural communities and small towns so will meld in nicely here!

Denise led us though the many roles that the Chamber plays in Osoyoos, Oliver and OK Falls and there is a bunch of them! Included were the business walks, the AGM and Awards evening, promotion of business nights (9 so far this year), benefit plans for small businesses to access, production and distribution of business maps (20,000 this year), and the Harvesting Diversity event recently hosted. 

It was noted that membership in the Chamber by business is only at about 30% of total businesses here and in Oliver, slightly higher in OK Falls. More members in general and new board members would be welcomed! Also noted was that profit dollars from events goes back to members in the form of training, promotion and advertising. 

The next Business to Business meeting is next Wednesday, Nov 18, at the Osoyoos Museum and everyone is welcome.

A good presentation and message from a comfortable and talented speaker...we would hope to see Denise at many more of our meetings. 

In other updates, it was announced our club will not be hosting and inbound youth exchange student next year  as we could not find an appropriate outbound student from OSS. We will try again next year!

Food bank donations were received at the meeting and it was discussed and decided that all members would be asked to donate $10 at the next meeting to help the food bank out for the holiday season. Also Linda will investigate taking on a family for Christmas as we have done before. 

Dates to note are the Board meeting Nov 26th following the noon meeting and the Christmas Party on Dec 4th to be celebrated with the Oliver Club. 

Have a great week!

And if I could have put the French Tricolor overlay on this in honor of Paris, I would have.

Thursday's noon meeting on a spectacularly warm, sunny October day.

Pres Marieze introduced our speaker Ted Osborne, who gave us a very professional and entertaining talk in his capacity as a director in the South Okanagan Amateur Players Society (SOAP).  In his work life, Ted was a drama teacher which led him to a love of community theater. He pointed out the significant contribution it brings to towns like Oliver and Osoyoos in the form of building a sense of community and civic pride on top of just plain good entertainment. Soap has performed 50 plays and musicals over the last 45 years which is quite amazing. Ted has directed 9 of those plays over the last 15 seasons and will also be directing the next play, Noises Off,  in the New Year on Jan 21, 22 and 23. SOAP is unique in that most performances are given in both Osoyoos and Oliver but Noices Off will only be in the Venables Theater in Oliver due to the complexity of the set. 

Noises Off is a great comedy so mark those dates on your calender now with the bonus being  one of the leads will be played by our own thespian Trevor Leigh!

Ted also announced that SOAP is hosting a festival of theater groups bringing 5 plays over one week again at the Venables Theater at a date in the spring yet to be set. They are looking for volunteers and sponsors to help out with staging, admin etc...might be fun?

Camille gave us an quick update on her first 2 months (almost) here. In school she is taking History, English and Law and is active in both the drama club and volleyball. She has been to Vancouver once and would love to go there again (anyone going?). She is still with Marieze with Karen on deck as next host family. 

Thursday was Credit Union Day...yay! In recognition of that, Interior Savings held their 'Day of Difference' in which all 21 branches locked up early and each chose on area of service to perform. Lynda and her staff chose to work with Rotary and help with our highway cleanup project so with 6 1/2 Rotarians and 6 Int Savings volunteers, designated sections of hwy 3 and 97 were cleansed later that afternoon. Great job!

Neat meeting...next week will see 2 members (Eileen and Ron?) give their vocational talks. 

Our President closed the meeting noting that in order to thrive in life, it requires 3 bones....the wish, back and funny bones! 

Have a great week! 

The last meeting in August was held indoors 'cause the fire smoke outside is becoming tiresome! But we had fun. Former Rotarian Bobi Emblum and Richard McQuire joined us as guests to hear luncheon speaker Greg Luring, our District Governor address the club. Greg was joined by his wife Jan, both are Rotarians from the Yakima, WA. club.

DG Greg had met with our board before the meeting and shared goals and updates from the District as Pres Marieze did in return about our goals and plans. 

Cheryle ably introduced DG Greg in her capacity as ADG and was later recognized in his talk for the strong role she is playing in assisting him in his year. Neat!

Greg and Jan were Ohio State Buckeyes in the '57 class and talked about the next 13 years in nuclear subs in the US Navy, the MacDonalds organizations where they own 13 franchises and now Rotary. He used his exposure to all three large organziations to talk about leadership and specifically where work actually gets done....the naval ships, the MacDonalds outlets and then in Rotary, the individual clubs like Osoyoos. He is a great proponent of bending the rules, asking for forgiveness in lieu of permission and just moving forward. He used our success in spousal membership as an example of that...thought we were legal! Not a surprise then was his focus on membership. He shared that the #1 reason for joining Rotary is for friendship, the #2 being for local impact. 

The DG then showed a cute video promoting next years District Conference in Yakima having the theme 'Footsteps, Fellowship and Fun'. 

Greg and Jan will be back in Osoyoos for the District Training on Halloween...I think they enjoyed their visit to our club!

Karen S gave an encouraging update on the Lobster on the Beach which is going well with only 23 tickets remaining. She will be looking for volunteer sign-ups for the evening soon. 

The Challenge Penticton Triathlon bike stations that we will be manning is on track for this Sunday and exciting blue T-shirts were distributed to those volunteering. In now looks like we will have sufficient folks to hand water/nutrients to the 220 riders. Thanks everyone!

Other updates included confirmation that our inbound exchange student Camille will arrive Sept 1 and spend her first stay with Pres Marieze. Our outbound Nina arrived in France on Wednesday and you can follow her year on her blog at  http://ninasfrenchexchange.blogspot.fr/. It is good!

ADG Cheryle talked about the plight of the fires, specifically in the Rock Creek community and the support  that some clubs are doing to assist them. 

The 50/50 was won by Bobi who donated it immediately to the fire victims. 

Next week's speaker is Sgt Randy Bosch with the RCMP.

The first meeting of the new Rotary Year under President Marieze was a good one...a harbinger of another great year for this club! Marieze commented on the District 5060 Rotary Foundation achievement of $157 per member and how that can be directed to the amazing work that it does.

Our guest speaker was Dr Malcom Patterson, current President of the Penticton Okanagan Rotary Club but speaking to us on his field of expertise of cancer research as a molecular oncologist. He is retired now but has an impressive resume of  40 years of research in 5 countries across 3 continents, authoring 168 scientific articles and he came across to us as a very credible scientist.  His message and concern today was around the proliferation of radio frequency devices (wireless) in our lives and the potential harm to our health that it presents now and even more over time as the number of devices will increase 7 fold in 5 years. He presented as fact that RF heats body tissue, impacts adult brain tumors, Alzheimers, sleep disturbances, memory, autism, dementia, male infertility and childhood learning. Children are more vulnerable than adults. While any wireless device emits RF, he specifically dealt with the topical smart metres as representing high impact and risk. These meters are powerful emitters with a range of up to 3.5kms so in a community there is a multiplier effect as they overlap. 

Also of interest is the claim that built in these new meters is a capacity to operate any and all of the wireless devices in your house if turned on. This lead to an interesting discussion of 'Big Brother is Watching' scenarios. 

Health Canada is the government agency that sets safe levels for this type of risk and is the authority referenced by our electricity providers proving the meters are safe. Dr Patterson showed that the levels set are some of the lowest in the world and are totally unrealistic and unsafe.

Certainly a stimulating and new learning for all of us in attendance and while he was not advocating any particular action or response, I assume he hopes the awareness will benefit us in decisions down the road. He closed with a reference to a 'Tsunamic scale impact on our health care system'.

Pres Marieze spoke to the results of our extremely busy month of June in which there were 3 fundraising events for the club. The golf tournament raised $14,000, the Canada Day pancake breakfast raised $2400 and the Cactus Jalopy breakfast and beer garden raised some $3000. That is a bunch of volunteering!

Our guest presenter Malcolm spoke to his Rotary Club's recent installation and gave accolades and thanks to our ADG Cheryle for her leadership role in their ceremony. 

Finally, the 50/50 draw was won by Harold and as a true Rotary guy, rather than put it towards the cost of his recent 10,000kms road trip, he donated it to the student scholarship fund.

Next weeks speaker is George Fraser, a long time Osoyoos Resident.

A good meeting/start to the year!

1. Increases awareness in cultural activities in the area and promotes them
2. Awareness that the sculpture in town square was a donation by Don & Aimee Dixon
3.  The old mural that used to be on the packing house is being restored at the museum
4. They sponsor the Osoyoos Concert Series
5. Studio 89 is upstairs at the Art Gallery and that is where a lot of the artists do their work
6. Cultural Heritage is fostered by the Arts Council

Aug. 28,2014

Luncheon 16 members and 3 guests
Guest ,Pam Conn, Ramiro and Elly from Edmonton area, both are Past Presidents and Elly was a Dist. Govenour.

 John talked about the Challenge Cup and how great it was that we had such great participation from our club members.

Coyotes schedule is out and we are looking for volunteers for the beer garden . Vaughn said some members have responded to their availability but there are still lots of dates open.

Next week Brian Highley from the Okanagan Sun will be our guest speaker.

Cheryle talked about the Lobster Festival on September 13, tickets are going fast and would like all tickets paid for by next Thurs. Sept.4. About two hundred have been sold or committed to.

John introduced our guest speaker Karen Hawitt,he was as witty and charming as ever
Karen is a head hunter for the oil & gas industry as well as the financial.services.
Karen is getting married in June 2015 to Trevor Leigh , Ron's son.
Karen & Trevor started a property management company in the last 2 weeks.They have 2 Laba Doodle dogs, Traveled Europe in a camper this past Summer with their daughter Zoe. Karen is on the board  of the Child Care Centre here in Osoyoos.

Elly talked about Email membership and that if you are going to be traveling a lot that you might like to join this chapter of Rotary so that you can have perfect attendance instead of taking a leave of absence or worrying about make-ups.

Harold Cox won the 50/50 and Harold and Audrey celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary .

Board meeting  Oct 9,-10:30 am meeting with our new District Governor and he will be our guest speaker that day.